Taylorsville Lake State Park encompasses 1,200-acre of some of the most beautiful horse riding country. It boasts 45 spacious RV sites with electric water hook-ups, 10 equestrian sites with electric water hook-ups, 15 primitive tent sites with water available.

Two playgrounds conveniently located for children two bathhouses with laundry facilities in each. A centrally located dump station is available for RV use. Reservations are permitted but are not necessary.

History of the Area

Taylorsville Lake has the distinction of being the most heavily stocked lake for fishing in Kentucky. For a state that prides itself on its numerous lakes and excellent fishing, this is quite a boast. Located 45 miles southeast of Louisville, Taylorsville Lake covers 3,050 acres and has a shoreline of 78 miles.

Built for flood control of the Salt River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the lake opened to the public in January, 1983. In April 1985 Taylorsville Lake State Park became a reality. The Commonwealth of Kentucky leased 1650 acres that bordered the lake from the U.S. Corps of Engineers. The dam that impounded the waters of the Salt River not only preserved an important water source, but it also protects the topsoil from being swept away by uncontrolled floodwaters. The resulting lake serves a twofold purpose an environmental protection as well as a recreational asset to the surrounding area and state.

The lake is named after Richard Taylor, an early pioneer landowner and gristmill operator who donated 60 acres for the town of Taylorsville. Taylorsville Lake has a full-service marina, with 38 open slips and 144 covered slips. The Salt River from which the lake was made got its unusual name from the number of salt-making operations that that once lined the river.

One of the reasons that the lake is such a fishing paradise is that biologists imposed a 15 inch size limit on fish caught in the lakes waters. This gave time to establish the fish population before extensive fishing took place. Bass, bluegill, catfish, and other varieties are found in abundance. The Salt River underwent an extensive study to find what type of fish populated and thrived in its waters.

Established in the 1790s, the town of Taylorsville was incorporated on January 22, 1829. Agriculture has dominated both Taylorsville and Spencer County since pioneer days. The impounding of Salt River and the creation of Taylorsville Lake in 1982 has brought in millions of dollars in needed revenues related to boating and fishing activities. Over 10,000 acres surrounding the lake are set aside for a wildlife preserve.

Boat ramps and picnic areas make the lake a popular site for boaters and campers alike. Taylorsville Lake State Park is open throughout the year.

Camping

The campground at Taylorsville Lake offers 42 full service campsites for RV's, and horse lovers can sleep under the stars with their equine pals at one of ten camp sites set up specifically for horse camping. There is a central service building with laundry. Closed Dec 15 - Mar 31

Ten sites of the campground are set aside for horse camping. Sites have water and electric and use the same Service Building with laundry. Pets are allowed if restrained.

Boating

Marina has open and covered slips, gas, food, and fishing equipment. Rent a marina fishing boat and schedule cruising time on one of the marina's pontoon boats, or launch your own from four launching ramps. Seasonal. Settlers Trace Boat Ramp and Marina Taylorsville Lake Dock 502 477-8766.

A store that caters to all of your boating, hunting, fishing and outdoor adventure needs. We offer canoe and kayak rentals for one and two day trips on the White River. New G3 brand jon boats as well as a used inventory. NEW White River Cabin on a peaceful river bank setting.

The wonderful 24-mile trail system on this park is managed as multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Wear your hiking shoes, bring your bike, or bring your horse and enjoy the fresh outdoor air Beginning June 1, 2008 we will begin a weather restriction program to help protect our recently-upgraded trails from deterioration. Signs will be posted at all trail parking areas and we will notify all equestrian campers. We will also have a hotline for anyone to call 502-477-9028, updated at 900am daily with trail closures conditions.

Trails

The wonderful 24-mile trail system on this park is managed as multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Wear your hiking shoes, bring your bike, or bring your horse and enjoy the fresh outdoor air

Birding

There are excellent birding opportunities throughout the park, but of special note is in the mature forests around the campgrounds, park trails, the Wildlife Viewing Trail, and the entire lake area boasts an abundant population of species. The Van Buren Boat Ramp area contains two nesting sites for the American Bald Eagle.

Birds commonly observed in the Spencer County area include Hawks, sparrows, hummingbirds, Tufted Titmouse, Cedar Wax Wing, grouse, and Northern cardinals. The spring brings warblers and thrushes passing through. Brown Creepers, chimney swift, killdeer, and a variety of cuckoos can be spotted in this area. The summer includes nesting warblers. Summertime is when birds from Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to Red-tailed Hawks can be seen. Around the lake area includes the American Bald Eagle, mallards, Great Blue Heron, geese & the obvious Turkey Vulture.

A store that caters to all of your boating, hunting, fishing and outdoor adventure needs. We offer canoe and kayak rentals for one and two day trips on the White River. New G3 brand jon boats as well as a used inventory. NEW White River Cabin on a peaceful river bank setting.